A sleek, vintage black car silently glided to a stop by the roadside. The red compact car that was originally going to park there inexplicably sped up, missing the convenient parking spot.
Vid faintly heard the disgruntled curses of that redneck Muggle, but everyone around pretended not to hear it.
The black car stopped in front of them, and Selena opened the door, signaling for Vid and the others to get in.
The interior of the vehicle was far more spacious and comfortable than it appeared from the outside, with a layout similar to a luxury camper, even equipped with a refrigerator and a washing machine.
Clearly, American wizards strictly prohibit close relations with Muggles, yet they unabashedly use Muggle products, completely unbothered by the separation between the two worlds, maintaining their quality of life without compromise.
This was completely different from the wizards in the United Kingdom.
Though many British wizards would marry and have children with Muggles, once such families enter the Magic World, many voluntarily and consciously adhere to medieval living habits, as if that makes them appear more "noble," more "magical."
Yet, on this car, the superior physical environment did not bring any relaxation or comfort, as the air was filled with an invisible, suffocating sense of oppression.
This might also have something to do with how they were seated—Rex, who was driving, was taciturn, Moody, suspicious and irritable, sat next to Vid, while Selena quickly took the seat opposite them after they got in, leaving Lupin and the other two Aurors to move to the further back of the vehicle.
Vid turned his head toward the window, New York's dusk was setting in, neon lights flickering on, the constant flow of cars and people in the Muggle World, just a thin line away from the Magic World.
However, though the world outside the window was clearly visible, no noise could be heard; the entire car seemed to be enchanted with soundproof magic, causing the inside to fall silent, so quiet they could almost hear their own breaths.
The silence lasted for quite a while, finally broken by Selena, sitting correctly opposite:
"I hear that Mr. Gray is from a non-magical family, so this must be your first visit to the American Magic World?"
If it were Slytherin students mentioning "Muggle origins," it would most likely carry a tone of ridicule and disdain.
But when Selena spoke, she was entirely in an even, straightforward manner, with impeccable politeness and detachment, as if reading from a prepared speech.
Vid nodded: "Yes, it is my first time."
"Then please allow me to briefly introduce some local circumstances."
After a brief pause, as if organizing her words, Selena continued:
"All affairs in the American Magic Society are managed centrally by the Magic Congress. The headquarters of the Congress is located in the Woolworth Building downtown; if Mr. Gray is interested in visiting, I can arrange a time and itinerary for you."
"Additionally, although the Rappaport's Law has been repealed, we still maintain a distance from Muggles, and I suggest you do the same—"
"The lesson of Bartholomew Barryburn is a precedent, and the conflict between wizards and Muggles always exists. It has nothing to do with individual character; it is entirely due to the inevitable result of human greed, jealousy, stupidity, and arrogance."
"In my opinion, those governments that allow wizards to marry Muggles, or even reveal the existence of the Magic World to Muggle families, are undoubtedly extremely foolish...of course, this is a problem in most European magical governments as well."
Selena's topic veered off, and before Moody could refute, she returned to her earlier businesslike tone:
"Moreover, the use of magic in public is extremely restricted. Use of magic is prohibited in areas where Muggles gather; any behavior that may draw Muggle attention or expose the Magic World is the most serious violation..."
Moody: "..."
In a moment of hesitation, he lost his chance to speak.
Selena's voice, like a stream, kept speaking without pause:
"Foreign wizards, if they need to use magic, must first apply for a temporary magic wand usage permit."
"Of course, Mr. Gray is an invited guest, and despite you being underage, Congress has granted a special permission—Vid Gray can use magic moderately in environments without complications."
"However, your accompanying personnel do not have such privileges; they will need to register at the Magic Wand Permit Office...naturally, I will provide introductions and guidance, but the legal process is mandatory."
Before Moody could raise an objection, Selena quickly added, forcing his already considered words back into his throat, leaving Moody with a darker expression, while Vid found it somewhat amusing.
At Hogwarts, Moody was a frightening professor with an intimidating sense of pressure. Even the naughtiest of students behaved properly in his class. Vid had never seen him unable to get a word in edgewise.
Selena seemed determined to finish conveying all important matters in one breath, not giving others time to digest or react, continuing:
"Regarding the Alchemy Competition, as of now, the majority of invited delegates and judges have successfully arrived in New York, and the preparatory work is in its final stages."
"The competition venue is confidential, with the entrance in Central Park. I will escort you to the scene at the time. Any private exploration of the venue before the official start is strictly prohibited."
"Lastly, I must emphasize once again—"
"Gentlemen, during this special period, the strict enforcement of the International Confidentiality Law is of paramount importance above all else, everyone...regardless of status...must prioritize this!"
"Here, no favoritism, privilege, or mutual accommodation will be tolerated! The Auror Office will make every effort to prevent any potential risks that may attract the attention of the Muggle society!"
Her gaze slowly swept over Vid and Moody, each word pronounced with astonishing clarity and hardness, admitting no possibility of misunderstanding.
"Hmph!"
Moody seized this pause to snort coldly, taking the lead to avoid being cut off by Selena once again, abruptly interrupting her formal warning.
He stared at Selena, his voice filled with unmasked doubt:
"Ban this, ban that...I hope those fine rules of yours can turn into security measures more reliable than verbal promises—at least able to stop those dogged reporters from easily getting in my face again!"
At this point, thinking of Tom Hake's reckless actions and comparing them with Selena's present warnings, he deliberately let out two mocking chuckles:
"Confidentiality Law...ha ha!"
Selena's expression also turned somewhat unpleasant, with anger subtly rising not directed at Moody, but at that journalist who yelled in public.
"Thank you for your detailed explanation, Ms. Goldstein."
At this moment, Lupin's gentle voice sounded: "Ensuring the safety of the Magic World is the responsibility of every wizard, and we will naturally strictly abide by the relevant regulations, not causing you any trouble."
His sincere tone eased the underlying tension in the atmosphere. Immediately afterward, Vid took over the topic naturally, asking curiously:
"By the way, which judges will be attending this competition? If Ms. Goldstein is aware, could you introduce them to me?"